Growing up as orphans, Taehyung and Jungkook were inseparable, navigating the hardships of life in an orphanage side by side. Their bond was a lifeline, making the challenges of their childhood bearable-until everything changed. Jungkook was discove...
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Chapter 3
The front door of the mansion creaked open, admitting Jungkook, his shoulders slumped with fatigue. The day had been a whirlwind of meetings, phone calls, and endless paperwork. He longed for nothing more than to shed his suit, sink into a hot bath, and forget about the pressures of his life.
As he stepped into the grand hallway, a chorus of greetings washed over him.
"Welcome home, Mr. Jeon!" his staff greeted him. "How was your day?"
"Anything we can get for you?" Kyungha, one of his maids, asked since Mrs. Singh was gone for a while, to go to the grocery store.
Mrs. Singh knew Jungkook's preferences for food when it depended on his mood. So, asking him what he wanted for his meal would be better because he was somehow strict when it comes to his meal and they don't want to ruin his already ruined day because of his busy work.
Jungkook's gaze swept over the staff, their faces bright and welcoming. But his eyes lingered on one person in particular. Taehyung stood near the back, his hands deftly slicing vegetables for the evening meal. His features, illuminated by the soft glow of the kitchen lights, were breathtakingly beautiful. Jungkook felt a familiar warmth bloom in his chest, a warmth that had been dormant for years, but now surged back with a force he couldn't ignore.
"Anything would be fine," actually, he wanted fried chicken but it seemed that Taehyung was preparing Samgyetang and Bibimbap.
He felt the heat creep up his neck, a blush spreading across his cheeks. He couldn't believe how easily Taehyung's presence affected him. He had always admired Taehyung, even as a child, but now, seeing him as a young man, his heart pounded with a force he couldn't explain.
"Prepare something for me," he ordered, his voice colder than he intended. He couldn't risk revealing his true feelings, not yet. He needed to play it cool, to act as if he barely noticed Taehyung's presence. He needed to keep his distance, to maintain his carefully constructed facade.
He hurried past Taehyung, his gaze fixed on the grand staircase, hoping to escape the intensity of his gaze. He could feel Taehyung's eyes on him, a silent question hanging in the air. He knew Taehyung recognized him, knew he was Jungkook, the boy he had known all those years ago. But he couldn't bring himself to admit it, not yet.
Reaching his room, he slammed the door shut, his heart still pounding. He leaned against the door, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He had to get a grip. He couldn't let his feelings get the better of him. He had to remember why he had come here, why he had hired Taehyung as his maid.
He stripped off his suit, tossing it onto the floor, his fingers fumbling with the buttons. He couldn't believe how his simple presence could make him lose his composure. He was Jungkook, the successful businessman and the CEO of a multi-million dollar company. He was in control. He wasn't some lovesick teenager, smitten with a pretty face.
He splashed water on his face, trying to cool his burning cheeks. He needed to act normal, to act as if nothing had changed. He needed to keep his distance, to keep Taehyung at arm's length. He couldn't afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment.
He descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the silent mansion. He paused at the entrance of the kitchen, his gaze drawn to the scene before him. Taehyung was still chopping vegetables, his concentration unwavering. He looked so focused, so absorbed in his task, that he didn't notice Jungkook's arrival.
But then, a gasp escaped his lips. Jungkook's heart lurched. Taehyung had accidentally sliced his finger, a thin line of blood appearing on his delicate skin. Jungkook's supposed act vanished in an instant, replaced by a surge of concern.
He was at Taehyung's side in a flash, his hands reaching for the injured finger. "Hyung! Are you alright?" He didn't wait for an answer, his fingers gently guiding Taehyung's hand towards the sink. He turned on the water, the cool stream washing away the blood.
"Be more careful," he scolded, his voice laced with concern. "You could have cut yourself badly."
Taehyung winced, his face contorted in pain. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, his voice a little shaky. "I had forgotten how sharp those knives are. I should have been more careful."
Jungkook gently dabbed at the wound with a clean cloth, his gaze fixed on Taehyung's face. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He had been so focused on maintaining his facade, on keeping his distance, that he had failed to see the danger Taehyung was in. He knew that when it came to the kitchen, Taehyung would be clumsy; he should have watched him carefully to avoid it.
He felt a familiar warmth spread through his chest, a warmth that had nothing to do with his past feelings for Taehyung, but a genuine concern for his well-being. He was determined to protect him, to keep him safe.
He heard Taehyung's soft laughter, a sound that sent a shiver down his spine. He had to remember his act. He had to keep up the facade.
"It's alright," he said, his voice regaining its coldness. "Just be more careful next time."
He turned away, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to be careful. He had to keep his distance. He had to remember that he was Jungkook, the CEO, not the lovesick boy he had been all those years ago. But even as he retreated, he couldn't help but glance back at Taehyung, a flicker of something forbidden burning in his eyes.
"Thank you," Taehyung thanked him, which made his heartbeat skip a beat for a moment.
Seriously, he admired Taehyung so much that even just hearing his voice would almost make him go to his knees. He's in trouble, but he likes this kind of trouble.
